UAE. Lagardère Travel Retail has partnered with well-known French pastry chef Christophe Adam to open a L’Éclair de Genie café in Dubai International Airport (DXB) Terminal 3. It is the first airport location for the premium Parisian pastry shop brand.
The airport café is billed by Dubai Airports as a “luxury gourmet destination”. It offers a curated selection of speciality coffees and organic teas to accompany sweet treats – freshly crafted daily in Dubai – including éclairs, viennoiseries [French baked goods made from a yeast-leavened dough], macarons and chocolate.
In addition, guests can enjoy a savoury menu featuring fresh salads, sandwiches and naan wraps.
Lagardère Travel Retail said the design of the pastry shop brings a touch of Parisian haute couture to DXB. Travellers have the option to dine in or take sweet pastries away in elegant packaging.
The retailer noted that Adam – who operates several L’Éclair de Genie stores in central Paris – is celebrated for revolutionising the traditional French éclair. His creations feature vibrant colours and are delicately finished with fine details.
The éclairs come in a wide variety of flavours, from citrus lemon yuzu to salted caramel and Mexican chocolate.
The L’Éclair de Génie menu at DXB will feature seasonal editions. The Ramadan éclair collection is currently available and showcases decorated éclairs with fillings inspired by traditional Arabic flavours such as date and pistachio.
Lagardère Travel Retail UAE CEO Vadim Motlik commented: “We are thrilled to have partnered with Chef Christophe Adam and bring this much-loved French brand to DXB. L’Éclair de Génie is a place where travellers can relax and indulge some of the world’s finest éclairs and pastries, while immersing themselves in an ambiance reminiscent of the Parisian original.
“This new addition adds another touch of gourmet luxury to DXB, further emphasising our dedication to continuously elevate the traveller’s experience. Our goal was to bring this innovative concept to DXB and make it accessible to passengers from across the globe, underpinning our continued commitment to deliver unique and memorable experiences.”
Adam said: “Dubai is a city dear to my heart. It makes sense in the development of L’Éclair de Génie to set up once again in this large and dynamic city. For the past ten years I have dreamed of having a travel retail presence in an airport. L’Éclair de Génie has now opened its doors at DXB, one of the world’s biggest air hubs. I’m absolutely delighted.
“Our aim was to offer a simple but aesthetically pleasing place where travellers could taste our pastries and chocolates on the spot or to go. This is the start of a wonderful adventure, in partnership with Lagardère Travel Retail.”
Dubai Airports Vice President of Commercial Concession Management Alison Macdonald commented: “We are pleased to welcome L’Éclair de Genie to DXB as part of our ongoing transformation and elevation of the airport dining experience. The collaboration showcases the artistry of the French pastry and with an infusion of local flavours in exciting seasonal editions, it will introduce our global guests to celebrated tastes from across the region.
“We invite those travelling through DXB to embark on a sensory journey through our newest luxury gourmet destination.” 
Note: The Moodie Davitt Report publishes the FAB Newsletter, which features highlights of openings, events and campaigns from around the world of airport and travel dining.
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